NASCAR

When NASCAR returns to New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 on July 17 and the SYLVANIA 300 on Sept. 25, race fans, competitors and track officials will be better able to understand how the on-track action impacts a driver’s position in the points standings.

The change comes as the result of a new simplified points system that separates finishing positions by a single point.

In addition, NASCAR officials announced the Chase for the Sprint Cup, which includes the SYLVANIA 300, will now feature a new wild-card element. The 11th and 12th positions in the 12-man Chase will be awarded to the two drivers outside the top 10, but inside the top 20, in points that have the most wins during the regular season.

“As an industry, it is vital that we continually create a product full of drama and excitement,” said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway. “The changes NASCAR announced are certainly a step in the right direction. The American public is all about keeping it simple and the new points system accomplishes that goal.

“In regards to the changes to the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, I think everyone is happy that a driver who wins will have an opportunity to make it. If you look at all the major sports in America, the emphasis is on winning. With the slight exception of the NHL, professional sports league standings are based on wins and losses,” Gappens added. “Playoff teams are determined by won-loss records, whether it is a 162-game season, an 81-game season or a 16-game season. NASCAR is unique in that we have more teams competing (43) and a longer calendar season than any other professional sports league, so you do have to strike a balance that rewards winning and performing at a high level throughout the entire season. It is essential in creating ‘Raving Fans’ for the entire year.”

Tickets for both NASCAR weekends and the IZOD IndyCar Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway can be purchased by calling the track’s ticket hotline at (603) 783-4931. Additional information, including camping availability and prices, can be found online at www.nhms.com.